hey everyone
Im new to posting here so hope i do this right lol.. Ive got a 1976 LX SS 4.2L Hatcback in original unmolestered condition that i brought when i was 16 :-) wanted one since i was like 10. Ive had it garaged for 10 years so its time i think to get my butt into gear and get the first love of my life on the road ( had other projects on the go too pink Vl turbo now sold and my normal ride a vk 5l hdt improved) . Im keen to make sure all the numbers match and to find out if the engine is the original (pretty sure it is) before i pour all my hard earned cash into my baby. Ive been waitin cos i didnt wanna do a half ass job on such an original car.. wouldve been just a waste. my intentions is to have it like it wouldve looked in 76 when she came out of the showroom. Not interested in modifying it in anyway shes beautiful just as she is.
Its manadrin red with very straight body original paint usual rust in rear quarters behind rear wheel arches and some in the doors and some minor rust in the hatch . but overall its in pretty good condition . It has an original one piece front spoiler ( thinkin im lucky there) back seats is like new still but the front ones need redoing and the the plastics at the back of the front seats are broken. dash is all there original ash tray ;-) steering wheel i cant find anything thats missing other than the original wheels.
i intend on doin a bare metal respray as my dad is a panelbeater and im a fitter and turner by trade so ill be doing all the welding/bodywork myself ( i wanted to paint it myself after lots of practise but ill leave it to the pro ). . Im keen on makin the engine bay seamless ( is it illegal?) and trying to hide the looms etc but thats about it', i'm not interested in flares so the engine bay is the only thing id change and maybe wheels im undecided on that yet.
So i guess my questions are
How can i find out if all the numbers match including the engine ? i know its an orignal ss as ive checked them numbers just cant work out how to tell if the engine is original.
The seats are black vinyl and have a red cloth inserts in them does anyone know if thats original ? if not theyll be changed back?
Any ideas what its now worth? not that im selling her just interested in value and how much i should spend ( i want it crushed and buried with me when is die is that crazy? lol)
Do holden keep records that i could get info from like where it was first brought etc to get a background on the car?
Is it legal to make the engine bay seamless???
hope some one can help me
cheers natalie
some questions about a LX SS
Started by
_sstorychic_
, Oct 18 2008 11:03 PM
28 replies to this topic
#2
LX2DR
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 12:41 AM
Hi and welcome to the forums,
might take a few responses from different members to answer all your questions but is this the place for them.
How can i find out if all the numbers match including the engine ? i know its an original ss as I�ve checked them numbers just cant work out how to tell if the engine is original.
From what I�ve seen the original handbook will have the body, chassis & engine No's on it or old rego papers if you have them, some other documentation?
i want it crushed and buried with me when is die is that crazy? lol
No, you'll fit in here!
Do holden keep records that i could get info from like where it was first brought etc to get a background on the car?
I think you can contact GMH for a letter of authenticity
Is it legal to make the engine bay seamless???
Don�t think it's illegal, but it's not original if that�s how you want it to stay?
P.S. pic's will help.
might take a few responses from different members to answer all your questions but is this the place for them.
How can i find out if all the numbers match including the engine ? i know its an original ss as I�ve checked them numbers just cant work out how to tell if the engine is original.
From what I�ve seen the original handbook will have the body, chassis & engine No's on it or old rego papers if you have them, some other documentation?
i want it crushed and buried with me when is die is that crazy? lol
No, you'll fit in here!
Do holden keep records that i could get info from like where it was first brought etc to get a background on the car?
I think you can contact GMH for a letter of authenticity
Is it legal to make the engine bay seamless???
Don�t think it's illegal, but it's not original if that�s how you want it to stay?
P.S. pic's will help.
Edited by LX2DR, 19 October 2008 - 12:42 AM.
#3
Mort
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 01:04 AM
Cool and welcome, another chic Torana-holic (not a Torana-phile,she doesn't like to molest her Torana 
), as LX2DR said might take afew post but you will get your answers, if you post the numbers from the three tags ( vin,trim,paint,etc) the guru's and experts will be able to help and also 
picies,picies, picies we luuuurrrrvvvv picies .
Mort
), as LX2DR said might take afew post but you will get your answers, if you post the numbers from the three tags ( vin,trim,paint,etc) the guru's and experts will be able to help and also picies,picies, picies we luuuurrrrvvvv picies .Mort
#4
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 06:34 AM
With regard to your Engine No. give GMH customer assistance a call, 1800 033 349.
The guy I talked with was quite helpful and patient. Once I supplied the engine no that was in the car he confirmed it as the original block, but he wouldnt give me the engine no first for me to check it out, if that makes sense?
The guy I talked with was quite helpful and patient. Once I supplied the engine no that was in the car he confirmed it as the original block, but he wouldnt give me the engine no first for me to check it out, if that makes sense?
#5
_sstorychic_
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 08:24 AM
Thanks for the info guys ill start researching it all now
Ok heres some pics of my baby there shitty cos i had to scan them but there good enough it think
ill try to get some taken of the interior/seats so you can see the red cloth trim too..
Ok heres what info i have on the tags
model- LX8VD77
body- 554247M
trim- 1890-18V
paint- 568-15953
eng- L32
trans - M20
Axle-GU4
vin- 8D77RGJ554247X
eng #- HR67098
build date 12-76
hope thats all you need off the compliance
cheers nat
ill start researching it all nowOk heres some pics of my baby there shitty cos i had to scan them but there good enough it think
ill try to get some taken of the interior/seats so you can see the red cloth trim too..
Ok heres what info i have on the tags
model- LX8VD77
body- 554247M
trim- 1890-18V
paint- 568-15953
eng- L32
trans - M20
Axle-GU4
vin- 8D77RGJ554247X
eng #- HR67098
build date 12-76
hope thats all you need off the compliance
cheers nat
Attached Files
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IMG_0001.jpg 672.11K
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IMG_0002.jpg 661.69K
38 downloads
#6
LX2DR
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 06:05 PM
Your VIN says,
Manufacturer: General Motors Holden
Series / Trim level: SL/R or SS
Body Style: Hatch
Engine: 253
Car Year: 1977
Assembly Plant: Dandenong
Production Serial Number: 54247
Model Code: LX
Manufacturer: General Motors Holden
Series / Trim level: SL/R or SS
Body Style: Hatch
Engine: 253
Car Year: 1977
Assembly Plant: Dandenong
Production Serial Number: 54247
Model Code: LX
#7
LX2DR
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 06:55 PM
Engine is possibly the original, LX parts book says HR prefix is 4.2 V8, matches your detail.
LX8VD77 & 1890-18V
The Model code VD & Trim code 18V =,
VD_18V_trim_code.jpg 129.54K
32 downloads
model- LX8VD77 = Torana SS Coupe 6 or 8
body- 554247M
trim- 1890-18V
paint- 568-15953
eng- L32 = V8 H/C 4146cc
trans - M20 = Manual 4 speed, 3.05:1 1st gear
Axle-GU4 = Rear axle 3.08:1 ratio
vin- 8D77RGJ554247X
eng #- HR67098
build date 12-76
LX8VD77 & 1890-18V
The Model code VD & Trim code 18V =,
VD_18V_trim_code.jpg 129.54K
32 downloadsmodel- LX8VD77 = Torana SS Coupe 6 or 8
body- 554247M
trim- 1890-18V
paint- 568-15953
eng- L32 = V8 H/C 4146cc
trans - M20 = Manual 4 speed, 3.05:1 1st gear
Axle-GU4 = Rear axle 3.08:1 ratio
vin- 8D77RGJ554247X
eng #- HR67098
build date 12-76
#8
TerrA LX
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 07:05 PM
Hi there, wow there is a female version of me lol.
#9
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 07:31 PM
Sounds good to me, but I personally like them standard, so I wouldn't do anything bar restore it to original specs. Mods that are bolt on and easily removed are fine. For example i'd fit some aftermarket wheels as the original trims are ugly as. Plus you wouldn't hurt it's value if you keep the original engine aside and rebuild a 308 for it, but by the sounds of it you'll be happy with the 253. Best advice - have fun restoring it, and driving it when it's done.
#10
LX2DR
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 08:09 PM
Mods that are bolt on and easily removed are fine.
I agree, mine has a UC frontend, disc rearend (on banjo) and pretty much all UC brake system, but all mods/upgrades are bolt in and i have put all the original parts in safe storage for later refit.
Motivation is to improve safety and drivability only, also to only use other Torana parts or if nessessary only genuine Holden components if their is no other option.
#11
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 08:41 PM
thanx lx2dr for researching lets just say im a very happy girl right now. Especially if its the original engine, ill be calling holden like pallbag said (thanks for that) lets hope they say it is.
Thinking ive changed my mind about the engine bay.. original is best may as well stick with plan. good advice too not change anything that cant be changed straight back. My plan was to keep the 253 in it and still is at the moment.
At the time i brought it i just wanted a LX Hatch if it was an SS it was an added bonus.. it had always been my dream car since my brother made me a tom boy and introduced me to what i think is the sexiest car on earth lol.. yeah im biased.. lol. Although now that i have i my ss i do have other dream cars id like to own cv8 monaro in black ( thats next hopefully in a year if my bf will let me).. and possibly keen on doin an old EH up theres just something about them i just love. but not til ive done the tory and finished my VK
Guess i should tell you all how much i paid for it you'll probably all be spewin... dont think the guy knew what he had cos i got it for $900.. 10 years ago . i remember my dad telling me to give him the money and run we didnt even think it was a genuine ss til i started checking it all out. Even drove it home unregistered we werent hanging around for him to change his mind..
Best investment i ever brought ...
thanks for all the help
Thinking ive changed my mind about the engine bay.. original is best may as well stick with plan. good advice too not change anything that cant be changed straight back. My plan was to keep the 253 in it and still is at the moment.
At the time i brought it i just wanted a LX Hatch if it was an SS it was an added bonus.. it had always been my dream car since my brother made me a tom boy and introduced me to what i think is the sexiest car on earth lol.. yeah im biased.. lol. Although now that i have i my ss i do have other dream cars id like to own cv8 monaro in black ( thats next hopefully in a year if my bf will let me).. and possibly keen on doin an old EH up theres just something about them i just love. but not til ive done the tory and finished my VK
Guess i should tell you all how much i paid for it you'll probably all be spewin... dont think the guy knew what he had cos i got it for $900.. 10 years ago . i remember my dad telling me to give him the money and run
we didnt even think it was a genuine ss til i started checking it all out. Even drove it home unregistered we werent hanging around for him to change his mind..Best investment i ever brought ...
thanks for all the help
#12
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 08:53 PM
Hey Nat,good to hear you are keeping it ridgy didge, all you'll need then is a hatch hutch. I'de probably find another 253 and put it in and keep the original (just in ase Murphy strikes), i wish the young bloke that had Tracies SL/R had done that as it apparently it destroyed itself 
so i'll have to settle for matching number car except for the motor. 
so i'll have to settle for matching number car except for the motor.
#13
_sstorychic_
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 09:06 PM
Oh a hatch hutch..i'd love one just where the hell do you find one without paying a heap there so rare!!! but if i found one i probably couldnt resist.. Im starting to see the point of changing the engine .. even if it was another 253 to keep the car the same and so nothing happens to the orignal. to be honest i love speed and or more so how quick it gets there but i dont have any intentions of making a quick LX even if i did change the motor id probably crash it knowing my luck and cry for years . speed is what my 5L VK is for
#14
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 09:30 PM
#15
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Posted 19 October 2008 - 11:52 PM
G'day sstorychic
Welcome to the forums and
to keeping your car original as there are toooooooooo many that have been A9X'ed 
As far as the rims and hubcaps go, well yours should look like this when finished but better paint than mine
If you want your car to look like it did when bought new then the above is the way to go.
The vinyl stripes are available from Mick on these forums and they were vinyl originally and not painted on like the LC GTR.
As you can see, I am obviously biased about the Mandarin Red SS Hatchbacks
If you are prepared to wait then you will come across the SS hubcaps and the Hatch Hutch just do what I do and talk to anyone and their dog about Toranas and you will be surprised at what turns up
Good luck on your resto and some piccies in the future would be nice
Regards ....................... Barry
Welcome to the forums and
to keeping your car original as there are toooooooooo many that have been A9X'ed As far as the rims and hubcaps go, well yours should look like this when finished but better paint than mine
If you want your car to look like it did when bought new then the above is the way to go.
The vinyl stripes are available from Mick on these forums and they were vinyl originally and not painted on like the LC GTR.
As you can see, I am obviously biased about the Mandarin Red SS Hatchbacks
If you are prepared to wait then you will come across the SS hubcaps and the Hatch Hutch just do what I do and talk to anyone and their dog about Toranas and you will be surprised at what turns up
Good luck on your resto and some piccies in the future would be nice
Regards ....................... Barry
#16
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 05:14 AM
I saw a mandarin LX Hatch (I think it was mandarin) a few years back that had been changed to HQ stud pattern with late HZ GTS alloy 14" rims (same as HZ SL/E) on it, and it looked pretty good. I think it had 205/60/14 tyres or something like that. So UC 13" SL/E rims may look OK as well. That is of course if you want to put the original caps aside to stop them from coming off or getting stolen.
#17
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 07:58 AM
Something like this would be cool!
#18
77_LX_HATCH
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 10:03 AM
Wow!
Thought i was seeing double there for a minute, pity mine isn't a SS :(
Does run a 253 though, and is in SA!
Thought i was seeing double there for a minute, pity mine isn't a SS :(
Does run a 253 though, and is in SA!
#19
_sstorychic_
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 03:56 PM
wow it is like seeing double your number plate starts with scx and mine is sxc !! ha ha so close and yeah it was sa registered.. although im in vic now.
Wow!
Thought i was seeing double there for a minute, pity mine isn't a SS :(
Does run a 253 though, and is in SA!
#20
_sstorychic_
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 03:59 PM
So many nice mandarin red torys on here.. lovin it :-) gotta get my butt into gear now..
#21
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 04:09 PM
Nat,
I am not sure if anyone has told you but your car is f*cking awesome!!! .. please don't chop her up she looks dead a sexy as is.
I am not sure if anyone has told you but your car is f*cking awesome!!! .. please don't chop her up she looks dead a sexy as is.
#22
_sstorychic_
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 05:50 PM
forgot to say i called holden today and theyre sending me out a letter of authenticty.. The guy said toranas arent on the computer system and its dealt with by some other bloke so ill have to wait and see what they say.
#23
LX2DR
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 06:50 PM
forgot to say i called holden today and theyre sending me out a letter of authenticty.. The guy said toranas arent on the computer system and its dealt with by some other bloke so ill have to wait and see what they say.
Probably some old guy that cant bring himself to retire, so they lock him in the archive each day and feed him requests from Torana nuts about their cars authenticity
#24
_sstorana_
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 07:18 PM
Nice car Nat,
You have yourself a great little SS there. Are far as keeping it original... it's the only way to go when you have such a straight and stock car to start with.
Welcome to the Forums and be assured that there is a wealth of knowledge and assistance here.
cheers
Mick
You have yourself a great little SS there. Are far as keeping it original... it's the only way to go when you have such a straight and stock car to start with.
Welcome to the Forums and be assured that there is a wealth of knowledge and assistance here.
cheers
Mick
#25
_SS Hatchback_
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Posted 20 October 2008 - 10:04 PM
good to see another hatch being restored to their former glory, nice pick up by the way $900 bloody excellent
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